UK entrepreneur may have to stand trial in US but it’s hard to imagine the same situation in reverse
The Mike Lynch affair is not over yet. Priti Patel, the home secretary, has to decide if the extradition of the former Autonomy boss to face 17 counts including wire fraud and securities fraud can go ahead. Assuming she gives a green light, Lynch can request a right to appeal. If granted, the case could go all the way to the supreme court.
That may be the best place for it. Some of the questions raised are fundamental. One is whether Lynch can expect a fair trial in the US. David Davis, former Conservative minister and former shadow home secretary, spoke about a process of “ferocious intimidation” that relies on plea bargains and produces a 97% “conviction” rate.
